The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have drawn 1-1 with Newcastle Jets in Sunday’s double header clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have drawn 1-1 with Newcastle Jets in Sunday’s double header clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.
An opening goal by Mark Bridge was cancelled out by a second-half strike by Dimitri Petratos with both sides sharing the points in Round 4 of the Hyundai A-League.
A buoyant start by the Red & Black saw Jumpei Kusukami combine well with Raúl Llorente to cause havoc for the home side.
The Japanese winger left Newcastle stunned after some clever trickery led to a shot hitting a defender with the ball falling perfectly to Mark Bridge outside the box.
Bridge scored the opener after pouncing on the ball with a powerful strike that flew straight through the Jets’ defence.
Álvaro Cejudo got close to doubling the Wanderers lead but his powerful volley was overshot and went wide.
The Wanderers were forced to make major changes to their midfield as both Kearyn Baccus and Chris Herd came off to receive medical treatment with Jonathon Aspropotamitis and Roly Bonevacia came on as replacements.
The Jets were then quick to level through Petratos who jumped on a loose ball in the box that was initially shot by Roy O’Donovan.
Janjetovic was called into action to make a number of crucial saves in the final moments of the match and helped deny the Jets from taking the lead.
The Wanderers held onto the draw until the end of the match and now have a full week to prepare for next Monday’s match against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium.
